In a proud moment for the nation and the Parsi community, Lieutenant General Zubin A. Minwalla (AVSM, YSM), serving with The 9th Gorkha Rifles at HQ 33 Corps, was conferred the most prestigious Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), by Hon’ble President of India – Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-II), which was held in the capital’s Rashtrapati Bhavan, on 4th June, 2025.
One of the highest wartime gallantry honours, the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal is awarded for exceptional service during combat operations. Lt. Gen. Minwalla joins a select list of five distinguished officers to receive the honour this year, including Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, Lt. Gen. Hitesh Bhalla and retired Air Marshals – Sujeet Dharkar and Pankaj Sinha.
Lt. Gen. Minwalla commands the strategically critical 33 Corps, headquartered in Sukna, North Bengal. The Corps is tasked with overseeing sensitive and high-altitude regions including North Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan. It comprises three vital mountain divisions stationed at Gangtok (17th), Binnaguri (20th), and Kalimpong (27th). His leadership in this region has been marked by operational brilliance, strategic foresight and an unyielding commitment to national security.
The solemn ceremony, graced by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other high-ranking dignitaries, recognised a total of 92 Distinguished Service Decorations, including 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSMs), 5 UYSMs, and 57 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSMs) awarded to officers of the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard and Border Roads Organisation.
The conferral of the UYSM on Lt. Gen. Minwalla not only honours his personal courage and service but also reflects the dedication of countless officers who uphold India’s sovereignty under immense pressure and in adverse conditions. As the nation salutes its heroes, the Parsi community beams with pride at the recognition of one of our own – a shining testament to valour, leadership and a lifelong commitment to duty. As the tricolour flies high, we salute Lt. Gen. Minwalla and all the brave officers who stand tall in service of the nation.
